Because of heat, a deer came to a spring to drink. Seeing his own shadow reflected in the water, he greatly admired the size and variety of his horns, but felt angry with himself for having such slender and weak feet.
While he was in deep thought, a lion appeared at the pool and sprang upon him. The dear immediately began to run away as fast as possible. As long as the road was smooth and open, he kept himself at ease at a safe distance from the lion.
But entering the wood he became entangled by his horn, and the lion quickly came up with him and caught him. When too late he thus regretted, “My God! How have I cheated myself! These feet saved me, but I had despised them, and I was proud of these antlers which have brought me destruction.”
We often look down upon what is most truly valuable in our life.
The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.
– Thales
